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Pennsylvanias Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) grant program is now accepting applications, according to Senate Majority

Whip Pat Browne. LIHEAP, which opened on November 4th, provides grants of up to $1,000 to help low-income families pay heating bills during the winter months. LIHEAP also offers crisis grants of up to $500 for families who experience heating emergencies, such as a broken furnace, fuel shortage

or utility termination. Local residents can apply for LIHEAP grants online at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) website, compass.state.pa.us. More information on the program is also available by calling the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095. Community Presbyterian Church of Mt. Bethel and Portland will host its monthly Family Night Out on December 27th, beginning at 6pm until 8pm .This months

event is being held at Apple Blossom Village, 690 Allegheny Rd., Mt. Bethel, (610) 897-5900 (www.appleblossomvi llage.com). Events include activities in the Giant Play Place and a dinner of pancakes and sausages. This event is free to the community, and all are welcome! For more information, please contact the church office at (570) 897-6766. T he East Bangor United Methodist Community Church is sponsoring a bus trip to the Sight & Sound Theater in Strasburg, PA, to see MOSES on Thurs., May 1, 2014. The cost is $92 and includes the bus, show, and smorgasbord dinner at Shady Maple Restaurant. For more info., call Jackie Williams Bartosh at 570-9926820 or Chris Ott at 610-588-1429. Fun Fridays are planned for February ar Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Poconos, 940A Ann Street, in

Stroudsburg Attendees are invited to express themselves through Crafts with Mary Lou on February 7th, 7pm, Open Mic Night, February 14th, at 7pm, Poetry Workshop with Jim E. on February 21st, 6pm (please note earlier time), and Family Board Game Night on February 28th at 7pmDonations accepted. See www. uupoconos.org/ for more information. We at The PRESS would like to congradulate Lukas Fogel, son of Ronald Fogel of Bangor for being named to the Dean's List for the fall semester at Mansfield State University. A 2011 graduate of PenArgyl High School, he is a junior majoring in music technology.

Here is a list of the new items added to the collection of the Bangor Public Library during the week of December 12th to December 18th, 2013. Adult Fiction: Gabaldon, Diana Dragonfly in Amber; Graham, Heather Unhallowed Ground. Adult Non-Fiction: Mellody, Pia Facing Codependence; Shermer, Michael Why People Believe Weird Things; Success with House Plants. Young Adult Fiction: Avi Murder at Midnight.

Junior Non-Fiction: Schwartz, Alvin Scary Stories to Tell in The Dark. Easy Fiction: Howland, Naomi The Matzah Man. DVDs: Classic TV Westerns; Enough; Most Wanted Westerns Collections. Audio Books: Card, Orson Scott Enders Game; DeMille, Nelson The Quest; Macomber, Debbie Starry Night; O'Reilly, Bill Killing Jesus; Stewart, Chris My Story; Wiggs, Susan Candlelight Christmas.

We love hearing from you! Send your birthdays, anniversaries and tidbits of information to: The PRESS 1 Broadway Bangor, PA 18013 thepressnews@ enter.net

Every summer since 1970, the members of the New Approach have performed shows that raise money for cancer research and treatment. This past summer, the New approach performed "The Time Of Your Life", a show that contained songs which were requested by an online survey. It covered songs from the 50s up

through current hits and the singing and dancing had the crowds talking each night about the fun performance. In early November, Jean Pinto, director, Terry Toth, assistant director, and Dustin McCormick, a long time member of the group, attended a brief check exchange with officials from the Dale & Fran-

ces Hughes Cancer Center in East Stroudsburg. With all the ticket and program money collected, the New Approach made $9,000 which was donated to the facility. The New Approach has donated to this cancer facility because of it's distinguished record with patient care and for an increased number of local cancer patients using the facility. It is great knowing our community has access to this kind of treatment. The New Approach would like to say "Thank You" to the audience members who came out to support this wonderful cause back in August. The efforts of our community are paying off close to home.

Pocono Health Foundation and The Rotary Club of the Smithfields held their annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 3, 2013, which awarded non-profit agencies grants that will improve the lives of children in the community. This year, the Holiday Tree Lighting funded six organizations in the total amount of over $6,000 dollars. Those recipients are: Center for Vision Loss Monroe County Equil-ibrium, Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA

,Melons Gift, Inc., Pocono Area Transitional Housing (PATH), Pocono Services for Families and Children. We always look forward to the holiday season here at Pocono Medical Center as it gives us an opportunity to work alongside the Rotary Club of the Smithfields in giving back to our wonderful community for which I am so proud to serve, says Kathleen E. Kuck, President & CEO of Pocono Health System/Pocono Medical Center. The Pocono Health Foundation Grant Committee selected this years recipients based on a competitive grant review process. The event also included musical entertainment from the JM Hill Elementary School Chorus, Stroudsburg Jr. High

School Chorus, and the East Stroudsburg North High School Chorus. Santa arrived by the Borough of East Stroudsburg Fire Department and luminaries sold in memory or in honor of loved ones lined both sides of East Brown Street in the festive event. The Pocono Health Foundation and Rotary Club of the Smithfields raises funds by the sale of red, green, and white holiday bulbs in memory or in honor of a special person. The bulbs can be purchased by calling the Pocono Health Foundation at (570) 476-3530. Individuals can learn more about the Pocono Health Foundation by visiting our website at www.Pocono HealthFoundation.or g.

Families First presents our 5th Annual Winter Snow-Ball Fundraising Dinner Dance on Saturday, January 25, 2014 from 6:00 pm to 12 am at the Blue Valley Farm Show building in Bangor, PA. Since June 2002, Families First has made a tremendous impact in the Pen Argyl Area School District, initiating mentoring programs for middle school and high school students and an after-school tutoring and homework assistance program in the middle school. To date, we have served over 1,900 families with housing, food, counseling, parenting, budgeting, insurance, education, and health issues. We coordinate a very special holiday adopt-a-family

program and offer parenting classes, flu immunization clinics, and community computer classes -- all at no cost to area residents. By providing a hand-up, we are working to create healthy and productive family members who make positive choices and succeed in school and in the community Funds raised from this event will be used to help support the free programs that serve the children and families in the Pen Argyl School District. To including mentoring programs at Wind Gap Middle School and Pen Argyl High School and the AfterSchool Tutoring and Homework Assistance program at Wind Gap Middle School. Proceeds will also help support the

various programs assisting senior citizens and families in need in the school district. Come out and enjoy music by DJ Joe Franzo, and a buffet dinner by Imperial Catering including baked chicken, macaroni & cheese, salad, vegetable, rolls, coffee, tea, soda and a large variety of home-baked desserts. There will be door prizes, a basket raffle and tricky tray. This is a BYOB event and dress is casual! Admission is $25.00 per person in advance and $30.00 at the Door. All proceeds help support Families First programs. For Tickets & additional information contact: Frank Jones -610-863-3688 or jones.frank@penargyl sd.org

I am again reaching out to veterans in the 137th Legislative District by offering them an opportunity to have their individual questions and concerns answered. We are continuing this service for the more than 20,000 veterans that live in Northampton County. This is a chance for them to learn about programs and benefits for which they may be eligible, or discuss on an individual basis any questions they may have. On Monday, Jan. 6, Kerry Schimelfenig, department service officer with the American Legion, will visit my Nazareth district

office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The office is located in the Nazareth Borough Office Building, 134 South Main St., Nazareth. Anyone interested in speaking with Kerry should call either the Nazareth office at (610) 746-5090 or the Mt. Bethel office at (570) 897-0401 to schedule an appointment. All meetings with Kerry, however, will be held in the Nazareth office. Some of the services available to veterans and their dependents include assistance with compensation, pension, death benefits, education and health care, as well as

any issues pertaining to veterans benefits. Veterans do not need to be a member of the American Legion to receive these services. The 137th District consists of the townships of Forks, Lower Mount Bethel, Palmer. Upper Mount Bethel, Upper Nazareth, and Washington; and the boroughs of Bangor, East Bangor, Nazareth, Portland, Roseto, Stockertown and Tatamy. Questions about this event or any legislative issue should be directed to my Mt. Bethel office at (570) 897-0401 or my Nazareth office at (610) 746-5090.

Hello fellow readers, Not a single write-in this week but I wont take it personally. No doubt everyone is up to their eyeballs in the fa la la la la of the holidays. So if I may ask my own question about the timing of my 15-year old Christmas cactus which has bloomed well before Thanksgiving the last few years. I researched the characteristics of Schlumbergera which is a small genus of cacti categorized in 2 groups; Truncata and Buckleyi. The Truncata Group has stem segments with pointed teeth, asymmetrical flowers held slightly above horizontal and yellow pollen. They generally flower earlier than members of the Buckleyi Group and are often called Thanksgiving cactus, Crab cactus or Claw cactus. I had never heard the common name Thanksgiving cactus, had you? The Buckleyi Group has stem segments with rounded, more even teeth and symmetrical flowers with pink pollen that hang down below horizontal. They generally flower later than members of the

Truncata Group and hence area more likely to be called Christmas cactus. So I examined my cactus and looked at her personal parts. Despite her Thanksgiving bloom and other characteristics of the early blooming Buckelyi Group, she has pink pollen a key feature of the Truncata Group. An oddity or is she a Christmas cactus from the land of misfit toys? Well maybe. But the truth is there is much to be thankful for hence flowering in time for Thanksgiving is absolutely perfect. You see my cactus came into my life by way of adoption. The previous parent, that would be the ex, had no idea if she had ever bloomed. Christmas Cacti are a tropical cactus, not a desert cactus and therefore cannot tolerate completely dry soil. It was easy to figure out that the dehydrated plant didnt have enough moisture or nutrients to put energy into flowering. Poor thing was totally neglected rather than nurtured and encouraged to flourish. Thank God for the gift of recovery, forgiveness and the joy of new beginnings. Garden dilemmas? askmarystone.com

(NAPSI)Heres hot news for homeowners: Although space heating accounts for more than 40 percent of your energy consumption, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, your heating bills dont have to get you hot under the collar. Why Get In The Zone You can curtail energy consumption without sacrificing your comfort with the help of ductless zoning systems. These can provide heating and cooling without a network of air ducts. Also referred to as split zoning, a ductless system includes an outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor air handlers connected by refrigerant lines and wiring. These systems provide individual com-

fort control and operate at efficiency levels far above traditional central air systems. Because theres an indoor unit in each zone, homeowners can easily adjust the climate in each room for optimal energy savings. Accessories let you monitor and operate the system remotely through Internetenabled smart devices and use timer functions to selectively cool and heat specific zones as needed. Rather than keeping each floor or your entire house at one set temperature, you can customize your home to meet your comfort needs. Experts Advice As TV personality and New York interior designer Cortney Novogratz-who has used ductless zoning

technology in her own home for years to fit its unique heating needsexplains: This system gives us the ability to adjust heat from room to room depending upon the amount of sun (or not) and the room temperature preferences of my kids. It gives us ultimate control over our own space. Infrequently used guest bedrooms, bonus rooms and offices can be kept at lower temperatures while energy use is concentrated where families spend most of their time, such as the kitchen, living room and bedrooms. My kids rooms can be at a temperature where theyre comfortable, while the rest of the house might be set at another temperature,

adds Novogratz. One of the reasons my husband and I have Mitsubishi Electric systems in our home is that they really give us control over our environment. A ductless zoning system from Mitsubishi Electric, Americas No. 1 brand of ductless cooling and heating solutions, lets you tailor your homes climate to meet your unique requirements. The systems will keep your house warm and comfortable, even in extremely cold temperatures, while still operating efficiently. Learn at www.mitsubishicomfort .com, or by cisiting facebook.com/mehvac o r www.twitter.com/Mitsu bishiHVAC.

(NAPSI)To keep heating costs from going through the roof, many

people add insulation to the walls, attic or floor. Spraying polyurethane foam insulation, or SPF, can be a great way to do so. How It Works SPF is applied as a liquid and quickly expands into a high-Rvalue foam insulation and air sealant. Its very effective at keeping cold air out by sealing cracks, seams and joints. Less heating seeps out and more stays inside, keeping

you and your family comfortable. The Benefits According to the experts at the Spray Foam Coalition, SPF insulation can also: Limit air leaks to improve moisture control and help reduce mold and mildew formation. Seal gaps to keep pollen and dust outside. Create a seamless air and weather barrier as a roofing material on low-sloped or flat

surfaces. Installation Information: Unlike using individual cans of foam sealant in small areas, however, installing SPF to insulate and air seal attics, crawl spaces and basements is not a do-ityourself project. Homeowners should work with a professional installer. For further facts on SPF, visit www.whysprayfoam.o rg.

Napa Valley Winery Offers Perfect Winter White Wine


(NAPSI)Red wine may be an obvious choice for the winter months, but a rich, fullbodied Chardonnay is a luxurious alternative. Many of usnot to mention our dinner guestsprefer white wine, even when the temperature drops and the wool scarves come out. This season, in the midst of the red wine aisle, were doing an about-face to find the perfect winter white. As Americas most popular white wine, Chardonnay is a natural fit for holiday feasts and winter menus. For a classic selection, look no further than the vineyards of Napa Valley, one of the worlds most prestigious Chardonnay regions. Tucked away, off the beaten path from mainstream Napa, William Hill Estate Winery crafts an elegant, full-bodied Chardonnay from Napa Valleys most celebrated vineyards. A bright spot on an otherwise bleak winter, the William Hill Estate 2012 Napa Valley Chardonnay leaves an indelible impression. We craft this Chardonnay in a classic Napa Valley style, says Ralf Holdenried, winemaker for William Hill Estate. It makes for a versatile pairing with a wide range of foods, but it also stands on its own as a rich, expressive wine with great depth and character. For the 2012 vintage, Holdenried looked to a handful of select subregions in Napa to create a balanced wine with bright acidity and a luxurious, silky texture. He chose the cooler, rolling hills of Carneros, the southernmost region of Napa, for Chardonnay grapes with lively green apple and lemon flavors. Moving further north, warmer areas like St. Helena added a richer character to this Chardonnay, with ripe tree fruit flavors and heady notes of baked apple. Layers of caramel, brown spice and toasted oak from barrel aging gave this Chardonnay its decadent palate. An ideal selection for a holiday meal, this Chardonnay complements traditional seasonal fare like turkey, baked ham or roasted goose. And, this wine will be a welcome accompaniment long after the last holiday decoration has been stowed away. Thats because the William Hill Estate 2012 Napa Valley Chardonnay offers expressive layers of flavor that match creambased pastas, seasoned pork and rich seafood, like scallops or salmon. Holdenried has offered up his favorite smoked salmon recipe to try with his Napa Valley Chardonnay this winter. Smoked Salmon & Apple Relish Crostini Relish: 1 Granny Smith apple,
cored, peeled and chopped

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons chopped

fresh chives 2 tablespoons olive oil lemon, juice only Toppings: 8 ounces soft goat cheese 6 ounces smoked salmon, cut into crostini-sized pieces Crostini: 1 sourdough baguette 4 tablespoons olive oil Slice the loaf into -inch rounds, brush lightly with olive oil and bake for 13-15 minutes at 250 F or until golden brown. Allow to cool. While the crostini are baking, mix together all the apple relish ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Set aside. Remove crostini from the oven and spread goat cheese over the crostini. Top with a piece of smoked salmon and a teaspoon of apple relish. Serve immediately. Makes approximately 25 pieces. To learn more about William Hill Estate and its wines, visit www.williamhillestate.c om or call (888) 9099463.

(NAPSI)Many older adults have found benefit from the centuries-old Chinese martial arts tai chi and qigong. Chi or qi (chee) means life energy. Qigong (chee-goong) literally means life energy cultivation. Tai chi consists of a series of flowing movements while qigong focuses on the repetition of isolated movements and breathing. For example, Robert Johnson, M.D., Kaiser Permanente chief of Palliative Care in Walnut Creek, Calif., has practiced tai chi and qigong since the 1970s. He believes these mind-body exercises promote good health, flexibility, strength and balance, which help reduce the risk of falling among seniors. Each year, one out of three adults, age 65 and older, falls due to lack of balance or other reasons.

Consider that a record 11,000 baby boomers turn 65 and become Medicare eligible every day, and that can add up to a lot of falls and serious injuries. We spend most of our day in sedentary jobs. Many of us sit in front of a computer or television for hours at a time, Dr. Johnson said. To age well, we need to move, stretch and keep our joints lubricated and flexible. Otherwise, our muscles, joints and tendons become stiff and brittle, and that can lead to falls and disabilities. Dr. Johnson recommends moving the joints in a circular motion. For example, place the hands on the knees and rotate the knees together in a clockwise and then counterclockwise motion. Also, try sitting in a squat position and stand up slowly to strengthen the quadriceps. At

share.kaiserpermanente. org/article/how-strong-is-your-chi/ you can see a short video in which Dr. Johnson demonstrates a few basic exercises and explains why theyre helpful. Along with doing exercises that promote flexibility, seniors can also help prevent falls and serious injuries by taking a few simple precautions at home: Make Your Home Safe Reduce tripping hazards such as throw rugs, raised doorway thresholds, or loose carpet. Keep paths clear of electrical cords and clutter. Add grab bars where necessaryin hallways, stairways and bathtubs. Add a rubber bath mat in the shower or tub. Improve lighting throughout the house and use night-lights in hallways and bathrooms. Keep a phone and

flashlight by the bed. Kaiser Permanente offers tai chi and qigong classes at several of its medical facilities. Visit www.kp.org to find classes in your area and learn more about other exercises for strength and balance as well as

preventing falls. You can also check out www.kp.org/carestories for more health-related videos. For questions and advice about a specific condition or starting a new exercise regimen, consult with your physician.

The Bangor High School Class of 1969 is planning their 45th class reuinion. Some graduates of our class cannot be located. If there is anyone who did not recieve a Save the Date Card, please contact Sandy Palma at flmngo51@hotmail.com. Dear patients past and present, After 30 years of practicing medicine in Bangor, Dr. Romano has decided to hang up his stethoscope and retire. There will be a Farewell Open House on December 30, 2013 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the office. Sincerely, The Staff, Patti, Liz, Debbie, Jill and Vicki. 2013 Girls Basketball Holiday Tournament, thanks to Merchants Bank, Girls holiday basketball is back at Bangor after a two-year hiatus. The inaugural Merchants Bank Holiday Classic will be held at Bill Pensyl gymnasium on Fri., Dec. 27th and Sat., Dec. 28th. Bangor will be the host school and participated in the Colonial League Playoffs and lost in the semi-finals of the Colonial League and District XI playoffs. Also competing will be LVC and District champion Nazareth, MVC opponent Stroudsburg, and Warren Hills, a member of the Skylands Conference. Stroudsburg participated in the MVC League Playoffs and District XI playoffs and Warren Hills participated in the New Jersey State Playoffs. New Years Eve Bingo at Diamond Fire Company of Walnutport, December 31st; platters served between 4pm and 6:30pm, games begin at 6:30pm. For more information, call 610-767-8476. Belfast Wesley UMC,

607 School Rd., Nazareth, holding a Pork and Sauerkraut Dinner on New Year's Day, Wednesday, January 1st, 1:00PM 4:00PM. $10.00 for Adults $5.00 ages 3-10, under 3 FREE. Please call Tom for more information 610-8637772. Safe Haven Pet Rescue will hold an adoption day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 5, at Tractor Supply, 2970 Route 940, Pocono Summit.. Safe Haven will have many young dogs available for you to meet and get to know. Safe Haven requires a preadoption application with references and a home visit prior to adoption. For more information about Safe Haven, and to find a list of dogs available for adoption and adoption applications, please visit ww.SafeHavenPa.org . Contact Safe Haven at SafeHaven@epix.net. Join Safe Haven Pa on Facebook Boomer's angels dog adoption day, January 5th come to washington pet shop, 1310 blue valley drive/rt 512, pen argyl from 11- 2, to meet some of the beautiful loving dogs that boomer's angels have for adoption! Boomer's angels rescue & care is a new group in northeast pennsylvania that rescues and rehomes dogs, bunnies and critters. To find more information, visit www.Boomersangels.Com and find us on facebook. Call (570) 350-4977. Notre Dame High School is hosting a six week baseball camp starting January 5. Notre Dame head coach Michael Bedics will direct the program in conjunction with U.S. Baseball Academy. Classes are available for players in grades 1-12 and are limited to six players per coach. Sessions are offered in

advanced hitting, pitching, catching, fielding and baserunning. Proceeds from the program benefit amateur baseball in Easton. Space is limited. Registration is now under way. For more information, visit www.USBaseballAca demy.com, or call toll-free 866-6224487. The Nazareth, Pen Argyl, Bangor GED program, through Northampton Community College, will conduct a graduation ceremony on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at Nazareth Senior High School. The ceremony begins at 7pm with main speaker, Dr Dennis Riker of the Nazareth School District. Graduates are from each of the participating districts. They and their families and friends, as well as the GED staff, will participate in the ceremony. William Allen High School is hosting a six week baseball camp starting January 19. Top area coaches will direct the program in conjunction with U.S. Baseball Academy. Classes are available for players in grades

1-12 and are limited to six players per coach. Sessions are offered in advanced hitting, pitching, catching, fielding and baserunning. Proceeds from the program benefit amateur baseball in Allentown. Space is limited. Registration is now under way. For more information, visit www.USBaseballAca demy.com, or call toll-free 866-6224487. Boomer's angels dog adoption day, January 26 come to Tractor Supply, Route 209, Brodheadsville from 112, to meet some of the beautiful loving dogs that Boomer's Angels have for adoption! Boomer's Angels Rescue & Care is a new group in Northeast Pennsylvania that rescues and rehomes dogs, cats, bunnies and critters. To find more information, visit www.Boomers Angels.com and find us on Facebook. Call (570) 350-4977. Safe Haven Pet Rescue will have a Volunteer Meeting on Tuesday, January 21 at 6:30 PM at Cherry's Family Restaurant, Route 209 near Route 534,

Kresgeville.If you are an animal lover, please come and meet the volunteers and have a bite to eat. Volunteers are needed for adoption days, dog transport to veterinary and grooming appointments, fundraising, clerical help, home visits and more. Foster homes are needed in order to save more dogs. If you are interested in volunteering or fostering, come to the meeting or visit www.SafeHavenPA.or g for volunteer and foster applications and to see the available dogs. For more information, email SafeHaven@ epix.net. Join Safe

Haven PA on Facebook. Don't shop, adopt! Camp Papillon will hold an Meet & Greet/Adoption Day from 11 am to 3pm on Sunday, January 26 at Tractor Supply, Route 209, Brodheadsville. Come and meet the dogs, cats and critters that Camp Papillon has for adoption! Fill out an Application or apply to be one of our wonderful Foster Families. For More Information email volunteer@camppapil lon.org or visit our website at www. camppapillon.org or phone (570)4200450.

(NAPSI)The holiday season can be an especially important time of year to take a closer look at the physical and cognitive health of family and friends. According to the Alzheimers Association, spending time with friends and family members who may not see each other regularly throughout the year provides a great opportunity for a fresh _perspective on health and behavior changes.

Cognitive changes can occur with age; however, memory problems that impact daily living are not a part of typical aging. Recognizing the differences between normal aging and potentially more serious problems can help to identify when it may be time to see a doctor. Know the 10 Warning Signs An important part of an early Alzheimers diagnosis is spotting warning signs and bringing them to the attention of a medical professional. Individuals may experience one or more of these signs: Memory loss that disrupts daily life. Challenges in planning or solving problems. Difficulty completing _familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure. Confusion with time or place. Trouble understand-

ing visual images and spatial relationships. New problems with words in speaking or writing. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. Decreased or poor judgment. Withdrawal from work or social activities. Changes in mood and personality. If you notice any of these signs in yourself, a family member or a friend, visit your doctor. Early Diagnosis Is Key Noticing these signs and seeing your physician may allow for an early diagnosis of Alzheimers disease or another dementia. This is an important step in getting appropriate treatment, care and support services. Once diagnosed, individuals living with the disease can benefit from treatments that may

improve symptoms and help longer maintain a level of independence. An early diagnosis also affords more time to plan for the future and participate in care decisions. Some individuals may even choose to sign up for and par_ticipate in a clinical study through Alzheimers Association TrialMatch-a free, easy-to-use matching service that connects individuals with Alz_heimers, caregivers, healthy volunteers and physicians with current studies. A Helpful Resource Anyone with questions about Alzheimers disease or seeking information, including the 10 Warning Signs, clinical studies and resources, should contact the Alzheimers Association 24/7 toll-free Helpline at 800-2723900 or visit www.alz.org.

The state House yesterday unanimously passed House Bill 1439, legislation authored by state Rep. Marcia Hahn (RNorthampton) that would exempt certain agricultural structures from real estate tax assessment. The bill is now headed to Gov. Tom Corbetts desk for his signature into law. More than 62,000 farms cover a bit more than 7.7 million acres in Pennsylvania, making farming big business in the Commonwealth said Hahn, who is a member of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. Farmers, however, are not immune to economic difficulty, and my bill will help them remain

financially viable and competitive. Hahns legislation addresses the use of high tunnels, which are moveable structures used for a variety of agricultural purposes, most commonly to extend the growing season for food and horticultural crops. Current assessment law is silent on the taxation of high tunnels, but some counties have attempted to levy real estate taxes on them. My bill, along with Senate Bill exempts high tunnels from real estate tax assessment in all Pennsylvania counties, Hahn added. These structures provide farmers and even growers in urban

areas with tremendous business benefits, and the agriculture industry should be commended for using this technology. A third bill in the package, House Bill 1440, also passed the House without opposition and sits with the state Senate. The legislation would expand the definition of agriculture building to include structures used to grow agricultural and horticultural products and exempt them from the provisions of the Pennsylvania Construction Code. Questions about this and any other legislative issues should be directed to Hahns Nazareth office at (610) 746-2100.

Governor Tom Corbett today (December 18) signed into law a bill sponsored by Senate Majority Whip Pat Browne that significantly s t r e n g t h e n s Pennsylvanias child protection laws. Senate Bill 28, introduced by Senator Browne, was one of 10 bills signed by the Governor during a ceremony at the Pennsylvania Child Welfare

Resource Center in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County. Senator Brownes measure lowers the age of a perpetrator for simple assault from age 21 to 18; amends aggravated assault to include (1) causing bodily injury to a child under the age of 6 as a felony of the second degree and (2) causing serious bodily injury to a child under the age of 13

as a felony of the first degree; creates new offenses of false reports of child abuse and intimidation or retaliation in child abuse cases to protect any reporter, victim or witness who reports child abuse. This new law holds perpetrators accountable for their actions by increasing the criminal penalties for any person who injures a child,

Senator Browne said. In addition, it creates the new offense of intimidation or retaliation in child abuse cases which not only protects the victim, but also the reporter or witness who acts on behalf of the abused child. These changes are important steps to increase the safety of Pennsylvanias young people, fully prosecute those who prey on children and to protect

those who have a responsibility to report cases of child abuse. The other bills signed into law during the ceremony include: Senate Bill 23 updates the definition of perpetrator and expands the definition of person responsible for a childs welfare. Senate Bill 30 establishes accountability and due process protections for individuals by requiring false claims of suspected child abuse be maintained in statewide database, provides for appeals of indicated reports, sets timeframe for hearings and decisions. Senate Bill 34 establishes a comprehensive system for professional educators who are investigated and disciplined for misconduct in Pennsylvania. House Bill 321 directs the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing provide for a sentencing enhancement for child

pornography, based upon the age of the child victimized, the number of images possessed, and the nature and character of the abuse. House Bill 414 requires the court, in a custody proceeding, to consider factors related to child abuse and involvement with child protective services. House Bill 726 amends the definitions of child abuse and related terms in the Child Protective Services Law. Senate Bill 1116 provides for a multidisciplinary investigative team to be used to coordinate child-abuse investigations between county agencies and law enforcement House Bill 1201 amends the Judicial Code concerning child victims and witnesses, and reporting by district attorneys. House Bill 1594 increases penalties for luring a young child into a motor vehicle or structure.

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